This is something special, we’ve achieved something – like it was also special winning promotion last season. It was nice to see the smiles on the faces of fans

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins

Balloons, flags, hats and scarves were tossed into grey skies and a flare was lit.

Southampton’s players had their shirts ripped from their backs and were carried shoulder high.

Ecstatic fans ignored pleas to stay off the pitch to noisily celebrate the chance of seeing football’s finest in action again next season.

Adkins, near to tears, said: “This is something special, we’ve achieved something – like it was also special winning promotion last season. It was nice to see the smiles on the faces of fans.

“I can’t wait to pit my wits against the best. But for the moment it is one to enjoy. Everyone has worked their socks off.

“I’ll have a glass of champagne because the time is right to do so. I’m gutted we did not win the title but it’s a credit to everyone – they never let go.

“We want to do a Swansea and stay up and please people – plans are already in place for next season.”

Now goal-crazy Saints can enjoy a £90million gravy-train ride. Reading had already been crowned champions and Saints had to win or draw to ensure automatic promotion and condemn nearest rivals West Ham to the play-offs.

It’s another remarkable gold star on the CV of Adkins, who has now won four promotions in six seasons – two of them with Scunthorpe.

Saints were 22nd in League One when he took over and since then it’s been one incredible upward journey.

Watched by their biggest home crowd ever – 32,363 – they turned on the style after an edgy start.

Relegated Coventry did not lie down and gave Saints a fright. But once nerves were conquered, the floodgates opened with two goals in three minutes.

Jose Fonte settled those nerves by starting the move that led to the first goal and scoring the second. His 16th-minute pass to Guly Do Prado saw the ball crossed to Adam Lallana, whose shot was deftly flicked in by Billy Sharp.

Fonte then dived full-length to head in a Daniel Fox corner, the ball whipping off the rain-slicked surface and high into the net.

Jos Hooiveld added the third in the 59th minute and Lallana the fourth two minutes later.

Coventry boss Andy Thorn said: “Well done to Saints. I have told my lads that is the level we must reach to fight our way back.”